Digital Video Essentials (Blu-ray)

[Vlad44]

Digital Video Essentials Blu-ray

Did anybody get Blu-ray version of DVE calibration disc? Im going to book one but didnt find any additional/preview/spy info about this release.
BTW release scheduled for 03-25-08.

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http://www.guidetohometheater.com/testtools/308dve/

Conclusion
As I said earlier, Joe Kane's test discs have become a staple in the toolkit of most installers and reviewers as well as enthusiasts who want the best possible picture from their displays. HD Basics builds on this legacy to provide the most user-friendly set of test materials to date.
The HD DVD version is clearly superior, not only for its My Favorites function, but also for its speedier menu response, predictable display of text, 5.1 and 6.1 Dolby TrueHD soundtracks, and reliable performance with the 720p demo material. For those who already have an HD DVD player or can still get one, I recommend this version of HD Basics over Blu-ray.

On the other hand, the Blu-ray version can be very effective for evaluating current and future players as well as displays, so don't count it out. Also, player firmware updates can often reduce problems with the Blu-ray version—though they can also be a step backward. For example, Kane has identified one player that handled 720p correctly before a firmware update, but not after.

The problems with the Blu-ray version are not the fault of Kane's production but of the format itself. The Blu-ray spec identifies many features—such as bookmarking and Dolby TrueHD—as optional, making it difficult to author a robust disc for all players. The only thing that is not optional is copy protection, which costs producers thousands of dollars each time they author a disc, even so-called "check discs" to make sure everything operates as expected on the wide variety of Blu-ray players. Now that Blu-ray has won the format war, I encourage all parties involved to remove the word "optional" from player specifications and add the same word to copy protection. This is exactly how HD DVD structured things, and it's clearly the right way to go.

In terms of content, HD Basics is wonderful. I'll be using it regularly in my video reviews from now on, and I encourage you to pick it up if you want your display to look its best.

Highs
Simplified menus make navigation easier than previous titles
HD DVD version has My Favorites bookmarking feature; very useful
Gray-window patterns are back
Narration over demo sequences is very illuminating

Lows
Skipping backward is difficult
Blu-ray version has no bookmarking Blu-ray version's menu animation is much slower than HD DVD's due to player inconsistencies, not disc Blu-ray version's menu text displays unpredictably due to player inconsistencies, not disc

[DetroitSportsFan]

I'm getting it from Amazon. The HD-DVD version seemed to be well liked, so this one should be good as well.

[WickyWoo]

This is a completely new version, far superior to the HD DVD version

I'll have my copy on Saturday

[nhaase]

A few friends and I are each pitching in a little money for it. I'm gonna put in a few more bucks to keep it at my place, but since it's something you're not going to "watch" that often, I don't think it's a bad idea to share the cost w/ friends.

[Vlad44]

Originally Posted by DetroitSportsFan

I'm getting it from Amazon. The HD-DVD version seemed to be well liked, so this one should be good as well.

yeah, Ive read many good feedback about hddud version, but it is realy interesting what would be on BD version.
I gonna preorder it right now...

[Vlad44]

Originally Posted by nhaase

A few friends and I are each pitching in a little money for it. I'm gonna put in a few more bucks to keep it at my place, but since it's something you're not going to "watch" that often, I don't think it's a bad idea to share the cost w/ friends.

its excellent idea since u tweak your HT not very often.

[HDJK]

Originally Posted by WickyWoo

This is a completely new version, far superior to the HD DVD version

I'll have my copy on Saturday

Do you know how it compares to the SD version? According to online reviews it was not as good as Avia (wich is what I got), but I've never seen it for myself. Any news of an Avia BD in the near future?

[kuliddar]

Yeah I pre-ordered one as well. Looking forward to it. Is it worth it? I think that since there are so many models out there of so many manufacturers with a gazillion different setting, having a good base is worthwhile. Amazon's pre-order price was (is) 18.95$US. I think its a good deal.

[Thertel88]

What does this do?

[Vlad44]

Originally Posted by Thertel88

What does this do?

there are prerecorded referense tracks/samples for fine tuning/tweaking of your HT system.

[Vlad44]

DVE - Digital Video Essential

[DViper2399]

Originally Posted by WickyWoo

I'll have my copy on Saturday

How are you getting it early?

[Big Daddy]

If your are getting the DVE disc, it may be worthwhile to read the thread on "Calibrating Your Audio with an SPL Meter". It helps you with the setup of your speakers and the subwoofer.

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=38765

[darkedgex]

Originally Posted by WickyWoo

This is a completely new version, far superior to the HD DVD version

I'll have my copy on Saturday

Post some comments on it once you get it, I've been thinking of grabbing it. =)

[CobraComander]

it's on pre-order

[DetroitSportsFan]

I have it preordered from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...X0DER&v=glance

[RUR]

Originally Posted by WickyWoo

This is a completely new version, far superior to the HD DVD version

I'll have my copy on Saturday

Much as it pained me to put any money in Joe K's pocket, I did order it. Let's hope the menu navigation isn't as obtuse as the last two versions.

[JTK]

Originally Posted by RUR

Much as it pained me to put any money in Joe K's pocket, I did order it. Let's hope the menu navigation isn't as obtuse as the last two versions.

I just can't do it. Given how much of a shill and tool Joe Kane was/has been for HD-DVD I simply cannot do it with a clear conscience.

I hope Avia comes out with a high def disc of their own.

[Flomaster]

I rented the DVE from Netflix it did NOT come with the colored plastics and found the Sd DVD to be complete crap for me. I am not sure if the Blu version will be easier to use and tweek my DLP set up which I believe I can fine tune it better than I have it now using the Rat. movie set up. I have a RadioShack SPL Meter to calibrate my speakers. I was about to pull the pre-order $18.95trigger last night at 11PM but didn't go through with the check out.

[WickyWoo]

Do you know how it compares to the SD version? According to online reviews it was not as good as Avia (wich is what I got), but I've never seen it for myself. Any news of an Avia BD in the near future?

Nothing about Avia

It came today, I flipped through it a bit, but waiting for night to calibrate

Right off the bat, immensely superior to the SD DVD. You get each test like a chapter selection. On each side when you flip the chapters, you get a short description of what it's supposed to do and how to use each test

The downside is that the Demo material clips are all 720p, but they still look great mind you, and still serve their function of tossing hard stuff at decoders and your display to test its quality.